God Is An Octopus

God is an Octopus is an evocative narrative that delves deep into the human spirit's resilience and the restorative power of nature. Written by Ben Goldsmith, this profoundly moving memoir recounts the author's journey of healing after the tragic loss of his fifteen-year-old daughter, Iris, in a devastating accident on their family farm in Somerset. As Ben grapples with this unfathomable tragedy, he turns to rewilding his farm, finding solace, meaning, and a path to recovery in the resurrection of his beloved natural world.

"Intensely readable, poetic, truthful, wise, and wonderful." Stephen Fry

"A message of beauty and optimism." Joanna Lumley

"Stunningly beautiful, immensely sad, immensely uplifting." George Monbiot

"Extraordinarily powerful and moving... a book of universal wisdom." Benedict Cumberbatch

"Beautiful and deeply moving." Isabella Tree

"An extraordinary book." Sunday Times

"Unfathomable tragedy chronicled with profound love and compassion." Richard E. Grant

"Emotive, raw, and captivating." Benedict Macdonald

In July 2019, Ben Goldsmith's life was irrevocably altered by the sudden death of his daughter, Iris. This catastrophic event plunged him and his family into a sea of grief and confusion. Struggling to comprehend the loss, Goldsmith threw himself into the natural environment that had always fascinated him. He embarked on a mission to rewild his farm, an undertaking that became both a tribute to Iris and a vital source of healing.

The narrative weaves through the cycle of seasons, offering an intimate look at Ben's transformative journey. Through his efforts to restore his farmland to its natural state, he discovers a deeper connection to Iris, finding traces of her spirit in the thriving flora and fauna. As the land around him begins to rejuvenate, so too does his own heart. The restorative power of nature proves to be a balm for his inconsolable loss, providing hope and a sense of continuity.

God is an Octopus is not just a tale of grief and recovery; it is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and the natural world. Goldsmith's eloquent prose and candid reflections create a compelling read that speaks to the universal experience of love, loss, and redemption. This book reminds us of the healing strength found in nature's cyclical renewal, and how, even in our darkest moments, there is beauty to be found and solace to be sought.

Join Ben Goldsmith in this extraordinary journey of transformation, where sorrow meets renewal and the beauty of the natural world provides a path to healing and hope.